To file a complaint or request service, please call (972) 769-4360 to speak with an Animal Services Officer. If an ASO is not available to personally answer your call, please leave a voicemail and your call will be returned as soon as possible. The ASO will need the exact physical address of the complaint, description of the animal (if known), owner’s address (if known), and nature of complaint. The request for service will be assigned to a field ASO who will investigate the complaint and take appropriate action. To learn more about filing complaints, including information about special complaints like nuisance noise issues, please click on the link below.Visit our Reporting Animal Issues page

Most of the animals needing new homes can be seen on our Adoption Information page. On any given day, we will have about two hundred animals in need of new homes. Our selection changes on a daily basis so if you are interested in adopting a pet, we ask that you visit our shelter anytime during our regular hours. We cannot hold animals for potential adopters and all adoptions are done on a first come, first serve basis. Click here to visit our Adoption Information page.

If you have a lost pet, we will ask that you come to the shelter and make a lost report. It is the owner’s responsibility to visit the shelter and reclaim any lost pet prior to the expiration of the animal’s hold period.

All found animals must be reported to Animal Services. Finders can bring the animal to our shelter anytime during our regular shelter hours or they can request that an Animal Services Officer pick the animal up from their residence. If you are willing to care for the animal until the owner can be located, please let us know when you report it. Please be advised that after five (5) days, you are considered the owner of said found animal and will be responsible to abide by all City Ordinances and State Laws, including rabies vaccination and city license requirements.

Plano residents can bring their pets to the animal shelter anytime during the following hours:

Tuesday - Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

All animals that are surrendered by their owner immediately become the property of the City of Plano. While euthanasia is always a last resort, Plano Animal Services can never guarantee adoption for any animal that is surrendered to us and we therefore request that animals only be brought to us when no other housing alternatives are available. For more information about surrendering pets, including fees and other requirements, click on the link below. Visit our Pet Redemption or Surrender page

Plano residents can bring their pets to the shelter for euthanasia anytime during our regular shelter hours. Shelter location and hours are as follows:

4028 W. Plano Parkway Plano, TX 75093 Ph: (972) 769-4360

Animal Shelter Hours Closed Monday

Tuesday - Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Saturday - Sunday*10:00 am - 4:00 pm *We do not provide this service on Saturdays or Sundays unless special circumstances require it.

The owner must sign an a euthanasia request form pay a $25.00 fee to perform this service. We request that residents bring their animal to the shelter but exceptions can be made for elderly and/or handicapped residents or special circumstances.

All euthanasia is performed by lethal injection and the remains are then cremated. Owners may not be present when the euthanasia is performed and no private cremations are offered. If the owner wants a private cremation or for remains to be returned to them, they must make arrangements with one of the local private crematories and let us know which company will be coming to pick the remains up at the time the animal is brought to the shelter. More information, as well as links to companies who provide private cremations, can be found on our Euthanasia & Cremation Services page. Visit the Euthanasia & Cremation Services page.

Currently, the veterinarian on contract is providing this service on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This is only offered to animals that have been adopted from the Plano Animal Shelter. We are not able to offer this service to the public. Please call (972) 769-4360 to schedule your vaccination.

For low cost vaccination and sterilization services available to all pet owners, please visit our low cost services page. You do not have to adopt the animal from our shelter or even be a Plano resident to take advantage of these services. Visit our low cost services page.

Sightings of coyotes and bobcats are quite common in Plano and throughout the D/FW Metroplex. A sighting of a healthy coyote/bobcat does not constitute a threat to people and as long as their behavior is apparently normal, there is no reason for an Animal Services Officer to respond. Contrary to what many believe, these animals do not live only in rural environments. Many have adapted to survive in urban settings and there are coyotes in nearly every major city across the United States. In fact, there is a coyote pack that has been extensively studied for years that lives in downtown Chicago. Wild animals are very good at adapting and they have learned to survive in many different types of environments, usually despite the best efforts of people to eradicate them. Eradication is not feasible but even if it were, there is no way to prevent wildlife from returning. The best course of action is to educate the public about these animals as human interference is what is most often responsible for them exhibiting threatening behaviors. These small predators may appear to be a threat but in reality they pose very little danger to people. They do not want to attack people because humans are not seen as a food source and our size (even children) makes us a threat to their well-being. They know that if they get into a fight with a person, there's a good chance they could get hurt and any wild animal that gets injured runs the risk of starving to death. In recorded history, there has never been a reported attack on a person by a bobcat or coyote in Plano. Throughout the entire state of Texas, there has never been an instance of a coyote or bobcat killing a person. By comparison, domesticated dogs and cats injure more than 600 people each year in Plano alone, and dogs are responsible for an average of over one death per year in Texas. Statistically speaking, people are at a far greater risk of being injured by an at-large dog or cat or their own pet than they are of being injured by a coyote or bobcat. Nationwide there are very few “attacks” a year and these situations are nearly always due to the animal being sick or injured or it was being fed by people and lost its fear of us. People's interference is by far the biggest factor in wildlife becoming a threat to public safety. When people feed these animals, over time they can get accustomed to humans and lose some of their fear of us. This is why Animal Services tries to educate people about the importance of not feeding the wildlife. They do not need assistance to survive and the less humans do to try and "help" them the better it is for them and us. On rare occasions, pets have been attacked by a coyote or bobcat, but nearly all of these attacks happen when animals are allowed to run at-large in violation of the city's ordinances. All animals, including cats, are required to be confined to their owner’s property at all times so that they are protected from the dangers they face on the streets, the least of which is predation by wildlife. It is recommended that residents look around their yards and neighborhoods for attractants: food, water, and shelter. People leaving pet food out will attract all kinds of wildlife that are happy to take a free meal. Unsecured garbage, free-roaming pets, and fallen fruit could all be turned into a meal for a wandering predator. Standing water sources, especially in the heat of summer, are also very popular with wild animals. Bobcats will sometimes use an unsecured deck as a den, and while coyotes don’t normally den close to residences, overgrown landscaping around homes will provide shelter for smaller animals, such as rats, mice, and rabbits, that will attract coyotes to neighborhoods. Homeowners actually benefit from the presence of coyotes and bobcats because their predation keeps these populations under control and prevents infestations that occur in homes and businesses when vermin reproduce unchecked. For more information, visit www.dfwwildlife.org. Some simple advice from Jim Dunlap & Tammy Welch of the Plano ISD's Living Materials Center: Do's • Do keep small dogs and cats inside at night. • Do keep the covers secured on your trash receptacles. • Do keep your dog and cat on a leash (as required by city ordinance). • Do report the coyote/bobcat sighting to the DFW Wildlife Coalition (972-234-9453). • Do try to consider that they were here first. Don’ts • Do not feed your pets on the back porch or leave food out overnight. • Do not walk your small dog in wooded areas. • Do not approach, chase, make noises at, throw rocks at or otherwise taunt a coyote or bobcat. • Do not approach any wild animal that appears trapped, injured, or sick. Contact Animal Services immediately at (972) 769-4360. • Do not ever try to touch a coyote, bobcat, or any other wild animal.

Many times these animals are not "orphans" at all and are either already old enough to be on their own or are still being cared for by parents who purposely stay away to prevent attracting predators. The best thing to do is to call the DFW Wildlife Coalition at (972) 234-WILD (9453) or visit www.dfwwildlife.org for more information. They can help you determine if the animal is in need of assistance and contact a local wildlife rehabilitator if necessary.

Chickens are defined by Plano’s Code of Ordinances as “livestock.” Livestock animals can be possessed on properties that meet the requirements to be zoned “Agricultural” or “Estate Development.” However, Plano’s zoning ordinances specifically state that fowl are not allowed on “Estate Development” properties, so essentially only “Agricultural” properties may keep chickens in Plano. Most residential properties do not meet the requirements to be designated “Agricultural.”

Anyone interested in possessing chickens or other livestock should visit the Planning Department's page to see the requirements for properties to be designated “Agricultural” and view a comprehensive zoning map to determine their property's current zoning.

All animals, including wildlife, pose a threat to all other animals. Fights, diseases, and parasite transmission can all negatively affect a pet’s health or even result in death. By following two simple rules, owners can greatly reduce the chance that their pets are injured by a wild animal.

1. Keep your pets at home! All pets, including cats, are required to be physically confined to their owner’s property at all times. Following this law will greatly reduce the likelihood that a pet will come in contact with a wild animal. If they don’t have contact with wildlife, they can’t be hurt by them, but wildlife are actually not the biggest threat to at-large pets. In a study published in the Wildlife Society Bulletin, free-roaming cats were more likely to be injured or killed by car collisions, diseases (mainly from other cats), fights with other at-large pets, poisons (antifreeze, rat bait, etc.), complications of uncontrolled breeding, or cruelty inflicted by humans than they were to be preyed upon by wildlife.

2. Keep your pet's vaccines current! Preventative vaccines are available for many of the most common diseases that pets can get from wildlife and other at-large pets. Animal Services highly recommends that your pet be examined at least once a year by your veterinarian and that you always follow their advice regarding preventative vaccines and medications for common dog and cat diseases and parasites. State law and city ordinance require all pets have a current rabies vaccination at all times and failure to meet this obligation could result in fines to the owner and/or impoundment of the animal. These vaccinations are an important part of keeping your pet healthy and is the first line of defense for your family against certain diseases that are transmissible from animals to people.

To check if your group is registered, please visit our Neighborhood Resource Map and search for your group’s name. If you need to register your group or would like to update the contact information, please submit a new registration form.

No, the program is designed as a reimbursement. Once a project is completed, a final reimbursement form and paid invoices are required to process a reimbursement check, payable to the neighborhood group.

Plans of current expenditures and the proposed means of financing them. The annual operating budget is the primary means by which most of the financing, acquisition, spending, and service delivery activities of the City are controlled. The use of annual operating budgets is required by State law.

General Obligation (G.O.) Bonds are debt instruments much like a house mortgage, generally for a period of 20 years. The City uses this debt to fund major infrastructure projects. The City identifies a major project (e.g. a fire station) or several similar projects (e.g. five road intersections) and determines that to complete the project(s) in a timely manner a debt issuance is needed. (The City does not maintain large amounts of cash to finance these larger capital projects.)

A fund established to account for operations that are financed and operated in a manner similar to private business enterprises - where the intent of the governing body is that the costs of providing goods or services to the general public on a continuing basis be financed or recovered primarily through user charges.

An expenditure which results in the acquisition of or addition to fixed assets, and meets these criteria: has an anticipated useful life of more than one year; can be permanently identified as an individual unit of property; belongs to one of the following categories: Land, Buildings, Structures & Improvements, Equipment; constitutes a tangible, permanent addition to the value of City assets; cost generally exceeds at least $5,000; does not constitute repair or maintenance; and, is not readily susceptible to loss.

A building permit gives an applicant legal permission to “start construction of a building project in accordance with the approved drawings and specifications.” The purpose of the permit is to ensure the building project meets minimum construction, safety, fire and zoning requirements established by the City of Plano and required by the Adopted Building Codes (I-Codes) and International Fire Code. Building permits are reviewed by City staff for compliance with zoning and city code requirements and inspected by the City’s building inspectors for compliance with the Adopted Building Codes.

Most peoples’ homes are their single largest investment. If the construction project does not comply with the codes adopted by the City, the value of a person’s investment could possibly be reduced. In addition, property insurers may not cover work done without proper permits and inspections. If a person decides to sell their home or building, the potential buyer may examine City records to make sure the proper permits and inspections were obtained.

To find out if a permit is needed email buildingpermits@plano.gov, read this information or call (972) 941-7140. An applicant can discuss their plans with the Building Inspections staff before beginning construction to determine whether a permit is needed.

These projects typically require building and/or zoning permits: re-roofing and re-siding; building a deck or porch; installing a fireplace, chimney or fire pit; modifying load bearing walls; adding a garage or room addition; replacing a window involving a change in size of 25% or more; doing electrical work; installing plumbing; changing or installing heating or air conditioning; installing a water softener or water heater; installing a swimming pool; building a retaining wall four feet in height or over; building a shed or garage larger than 120 square feet; building a canopy; constructing a fence; and replacing or constructing a driveway; irrigation systems; or sidewalk.

Permits are not required for the following projects: replacing cabinets in a kitchen or elsewhere, installing carpet or other floor coverings, installing wallpaper or paneling on finished surfaces, redecorating without structural changes and simple landscaping projects.

To a certain extent, the City relies upon the integrity of contractors and the honesty of Plano citizens to follow the rules. However, the City relies on staff assistance from all departments, as well as citizen comments, to identify construction projects that have begun without proper building permits.

Once a building permit application is approved, the applicant is given a “permit." This “permit” is to be displayed at the construction site. The absence of a “permit” is a likely indication that the construction project has not been approved or reviewed by the City of Plano.

The contractor you hire to complete your project is responsible for compliance with the City adopted Codes. They should be licensed by the state (when required) to perform the work. If there is ever a question as to whether or not some aspect of a construction project complies with the code, the contractor is the responsible party. If you are performing the work yourself, then you are the responsible party.

Some small home improvement projects or miscellaneous simple permits (re-roofing, plumbing repairs, air-conditioning replacement) are reviewed by Building Inspections permit technician staff and turnaround is expedited as soon as possible. Larger projects (buildings and new construction) require a turnaround time not to exceed 10 working days for comments to be delivered to an applicant. It is generally a wise thing to apply for a building permit as soon as possible.

A setback is a zoning term for the distance required from nearest point of wall of structure to a property line. For example in Plano’s SF-7 and SF-9 zoning districts, the front setback (distance from the property line to the front of the structure) is a minimum of 30 feet. The City does not allow any structure to be built in the setback (driveways and similar items are excluded). A utility easement is a grant by the property owner of the use of a designated portion of land by the public, individuals, groups or corporations for specific purposes. All newer subdivision developments have utility easements clearly delineated on the plat maps. The intent of easements is to allow utility companies sufficient room to build and service their infrastructure (phone lines, cable, natural gas, water, sewer and electricity). The City does not allow any permanent structure, including garages, decks, pools and sheds, to be built on top of any easements.

These structures are considered accessory buildings. The City requires that all accessory buildings, whether permanent or temporary, shall be securely affixed to the ground in a manner that will resist movement from storms or vandalism. All accessory buildings, whether permanent or temporary, shall meet the setback requirements. The City of Plano does not require a building permit for an accessory building that is 120 square feet or less. However, in those instances, the building still needs to meet the setback requirements of the City of Plano Zoning Ordinance. For accessory buildings of more than 120 square feet, a building permit is required. The City’s building inspectors will inspect the structure to ensure it is securely anchored and installed in accordance with manufacturer specifications.

Find out how long the contractor has been in business in the area. Check references to make sure they are valid by contacting those for whom the contractor has performed construction work. Contact the Better Business Bureau to see if complaints have been registered against the company. Check to be sure the contractor is registered with the City of Plano and has insurance coverage. The City of Plano cannot recommend contractors.

Most contractors are required to be licensed (electrical, mechanical and plumbing contractors); however, there are some exceptions. General contractors do not have any licenses, but a property owner should ask their contractor if they are registered with the City of Plano before beginning. If a contractor asks you to apply for the building permit, chances are that they may not be registered because the city verifies applicable contractor licensing with the State for all building permit applications. Resident homeowners do not have to be licensed to perform work on their own home. If you have questions about contractor registration, contact the City of Plano Building Inspections Department at (972) 941-7140.

Do not take out a building permit for any contractor. When the contractor signs the permit, the contractor is agreeing to do the work according to code. If you sign for the permit, you are liable for correcting the contractor's work if it should fall short of the City adopted code standards. Before your project begins, insist on seeing the permit. During the course of your project, monitor your contractor’s inspection records. This will protect you from being responsible for code violations and ensure project completion.

There are several agencies who may be able to help with minor home repairs:

• Plain-O Helpers – 469-366-4286 or www.plain-o-helpers.org Plain-O Helpers is a Christian based handyman program of seniors helping other seniors in the City of Plano with minor home maintenance and repairs.

• Rebuilding Together Greater Dallas – 972-245-6900 or www.rebuildingdallas.org Rebuilding Together provides necessary home repairs for low-income veterans, elderly, and disabled individuals at absolutely no cost to them.

The City of Plano funds a rent/utility assistance program; however, the program is administered by The Assistance Center of Collin County. They can be reached at 972-422-1850. You can also access an online directory of non-profit agencies who offer assistance programs at www.collincares.org

The City of Plano Utility Payment website is designed with Microsoft ASP.Net 3.5, and extensively uses AJAX technology. ASP.Net automatically detects the type of browser you are using, and is designed to render a page that is compatible with your browser. However, there are occasionally times when certain pages and functions do not work. If your preferred browser does not seem to be functioning with our website, we recommend that you use Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 or higher, or Mozilla Firefox 2 or higher. We also recommend enabling scripting in your browser. How to enable scripting on your browser.

PLEASE NOTE: For security purposes, once you have added your water account to a website registration, the water account can only be accessed by that user. Please make note of your website username and password and keep them somewhere safe in case you forget them.

1. Click on the “Register Now!” menu item on the left-hand side of the page.

3. On the “Add Account” screen, please input the required fields using any statement received within the last 36 months (see below), review and agree to the terms of use and click the “Register” button.

Your account number, bill date (located in the top middle portion of your statement, this is NOT THE DUE DATE) and the amount due are required for registration. Important: For security reasons, the City cannot provide you this information over the telephone. This information must match your bill in order to successfully add the account. Also, should your email address change, please be sure to update your registration/profile. Now you are done! Using the left navigation bars or the buttons located at the top of the screen, you can access personal account information and pay your bill online.

To change your account information, login and click on the “Pay Now” button. On the “PAY YOUR UTILITY BILL” screen underneath “Payment Options”, click on the “Manage Automatic Monthly Recurring Payment” link. This will transfer you to the US Bank website, where you manage your payment accounts. Click on the “Recurring Payments” button, and you should see your recurring payment(s). You may have multiple payments listed. In this case, you want to click on the option button (circle) next to the payment that shows the code ACTV in the status column. Then, click on the “Edit Payment” button. At this point, follow the on-screen instructions and help on the US Bank website to manage your recurring payment.

Municipal Center is located at 1520 Avenue K. The building is located East of Central Expressway. (HWY 75), one half block North of 15th Street. Our office is on the first floor on the Northeast side of the building, Suite #120.

Yes. You can access your account, view your account payment, billing and consumption history, and pay your bill online. You can also make requests for services such as new service, final existing service or transfer your account if you are moving within Plano. To start using our online services, you must first register with our site.

Customers may request service using our online system, call our office, or come into the office to start new services. A security deposit of $100.00 for a residential account, plus a minimum $20.00 service fee, is required to establish a new account. A lease agreement may also be required. If no one can be home to connect the service, you may sign a release of liability at our office, or one can be faxed to you, that must be notarized to allow us to turn water on. Service connects requiring a Liability Release are to be scheduled during business hours Monday through Friday only. Commercial deposits are dependent upon the type of business and a service fee is charged per meter. These charges can be billed on your first utility bill. Download a Release of Liability Form.

You can request your account information be kept confidential by submitting a signed "Request for Confidentiality" form. This form is available online or you can contact the Utility Services Office at 972-941-7105 and we will mail you a form.

Yes, with a couple of exceptions. A security deposit of $100.00 is required to establish new accounts, except for customers 65 years of age and older, and customers who have lived in Plano and had their deposit returned as a "customer in good standing." Residential deposits will be returned after 12 months of excellent payment history; after 36 months for commercial deposits.

Payments made over the Internet are posted immediately as "pending". When our system is updated, your payment will move from pending status to posted. System updates are done every evening, with the exception of weekends and holidays. Payments made on weekends or holidays will post to the account at the end of the next business day. Payments received in our office before 5:00 pm Monday-Friday, are posted to individual accounts the same day they are received. Please allow seven days for mailing of your payment.

A "blue tag" notice is used to contact customers at their service address. The purpose could be to notify a customer of a possible leak, requirements for continued water service, returned check or returned mail.

This may take place during the summer months. A combination of low water levels in our reservoirs and high temperatures are excellent conditions for the growth of algae. The algae then creates an oil which permeates the water and creates an almost muddy, musty smell and taste. However, the water is safe to drink. The City of Plano purchases its treated water from the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD). According to the NTMWD, they treat the water for algae, but can remove only about 90%. The condition will persist until cooler weather arrives. Again, the water is safe to drink, but may not be very pleasant to taste. For further information, contact NTMWD, call (972) 442-5405.Visit the North Texas Municipal Water District.

Your sewer charge is based on your winter quarter average. Your sewer charge will not be affected the month you are filling your pool, but if you are filling it during the billing periods of December through March, it could affect your winter quarter average for the next year.

To sign up for eBill, you must be a registered website user. Please refer to the information above “How Do I Register to Use Online Services?” Once you have registered, and successfully logged in to the website, access the “Customer Service” menu on the left side of the page and click on the “Billing Method” option. Then, click on the “Yes, I would like to enroll in eBill” check box and then click the “Submit” button. You are now signed up for eBill.

A lease agreement or rental letter from the landlord helps identify persons on the lease responsible for paying City of Plano water/utility bills. In order to establish a water/utility service account, we need to know who the responsible persons are. If the water/utility account becomes delinquent we may not be able to collect monies for water sold and used. This requirement comes from the Customer & Utility Services Policy and Procedure Section 201.II.A.(1).

Yes, you may make payments at Krogers, Fiesta, and Terry’s Supermarket. To use these locations, you will be charged a convenience fee of $1.50. You may also pay your bills by mail, online, over the phone or in person at Municipal Center at 1520 Avenue K., Ste. 120, Plano, TX 75074.

Yes. The City of Plano has a Solicitation by Pedestrian Ordinance (Sec. 522.007). It is illegal to hire people off the street. Such actions create a safety hazard for the contractor, laborer, and those driving on nearby thoroughfares.

The employment agreement is strictly between the Contractor and the Laborer. The City of Plano does not perform background checks on Laborers as we are not an employment agency. For more information call the Texas Workforce Commission at 1-800-832-9243 or visit www.twc.state.tx.us

They City of Plano does not know if the Laborers are bonded or have health insurance. The Laborers are considered their own independent contractor. A contractor may request such documentation at the time of negotiation.

Drop off location should be negotiated during the pay negotiation. If drop off is after hours of operation of the Day Labor Center, the Laborer may request drop off at the Plano Dart Station just south of the Day Labor Center.

A severe weather watch is issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop. A severe weather warning is issued by the National Weather Service when severe weather has been detected in an area either by radar indicators or trained storm spotters.

Warning A warning is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurring. A warning is used for conditions posing a threat to life or property.

What you should do:Activate your personal emergency plan Take shelter immediately Listen to local radio or TV for updates and information on what further actions to take

WatchA watch is used when the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location, and/or timing is still uncertain. It is intended to provide enough lead time so that those who need to set their plans in motion can do so.

What you should do:Remain alert for approaching storms Listen to local radio or TV for updates Be prepared to move to shelter

The City does not have any public storm shelters. It is impractical in dense, urban areas to have the volume necessary for public shelters. The fast-developing weather systems in our area necessitate immediate sheltering inside individual, sturdy structures. Once a warning is issued, no one should be driving.

The Outdoor Warning System has 37 sirens located throughout the city. When certain warnings are issued, the sirens are activated to warn people to move inside and turn on an information source. With today’s air-conditioned homes and people moving in vehicles, outdoor sirens should not be relied upon as the sole alerting method. Residents are encouraged to purchase a weather alert radio for indoor warning purposes.

You should immediately go inside and turn on an information source; do not call 9-1-1 unless you need an emergency response. If advised to take cover, go to an interior windowless room or hallway on the lowest floor of the building. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Stay away from windows and doors. Get under something sturdy such as a table and if possible, cover yourself with a blanket or sleeping bag. It is strongly recommended that residents designate a shelter area for their home in advance and practice going to that area as a family.

If you are in a public building or at work during a severe storm, seek shelter on the lowest level of the building. You can also use the fire escapes or windowless restrooms as shelter areas. The expiration time of the warning will be included in the National Weather Service warning message. Remember to designate your shelter area in advance; there will be less confusion during severe weather if the location is pre-determined. Offices should hold tornado drills often.

Vehicle sensing cameras or in-pavement sensors can fail; and when this happens, the sensors fail in the "constant call" mode causing the left turn arrow to come on with or without the presence of traffic.

The traffic safety record of a SPUI design is comparable to that of a traditional freeway interchange design. A SPUI design can move more traffic than a traditional design, and do so with less traffic delay and congestion. SPUI designs also require significantly less right-of-way for construction as compared to traditional interchange designs. This SPUI, upon completion, will be the first of its kind in Texas. Because of their ability to effectively move traffic SPUI designs are increasingly popular. The SPUI has been deployed successfully around the United States in Virginia, Louisiana, and Arizona, as well as in other countries.

Requests for school zones are made through the principal of the school for which the zone would be established. The principal, if he or she is in agreement with the request, then forwards the request to Plano Independent School District Administration. Plano Independent School District Administration, if in agreement, forwards the request to the City Transportation Engineering Division. The Transportation Engineering Division, if in agreement with the request, prepares an ordinance for City Council approval. After approval by City Council, a work order will be issued to the Public Works Department for installation.

DART staff sponsors a series of public meeting on service planning revisions one to two times per year. The meetings are announced in the newspaper, and on the DART web site. Plano's DART board representative can be reached through the DART board office at (214) 749-3256.

Mosquitoes are controlled on public property by eliminating the breeding source, applying pesticides to stagnant water and spraying as necessary for adult mosquitoes. The Vector Control Program does not treat private property for insect (or rodent) problems.

Remember the four D’s: • Dawn to Dusk - Try to stay indoors as much as possible. If this is not possible, make sure you follow the other D's. Mosquitoes are active most of the day. •Dress in long sleeves and pants when outside to keep skin covered. •DEET- Is an ingredient to look for in your insect repellent to apply when staying outdoors. •Drain - Standing water in your yard and neighborhood (for example: old tires, flower pots, rain gutters, etc.). These are mosquito breeding sites. Keep swimming pools treated and circulated and rain gutters unclogged.

The West Nile Virus (WNV) is a form of encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), which is found in humans and birds. The virus is spread through infected mosquitoes that serve as the vector of the disease. Less than 1% of those infected with WNV will develop severe illness.

After an incubation period of 3 to 15 days, symptoms often replicate the flu, beginning with headache, fever and body aches. Most infections are mild. Occasionally, skin rash and swollen lymph glands may accompany these symptoms. Severe infection is marked by headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, muscle weakness, paralysis, and rarely, death. Persons over 50 years of age carry the highest risk for contracting the disease. A physician should be consulted immediately for any health concerns.

Mosquitoes become infected with West Nile Virus (WNV) when feeding on infected birds. They then carry the potential to transmit WNV when feeding on humans and animals. There is no documentation the WNV is transmitted from person-to-person or from animal-to-person.

Birds are sensitive to West Nile Virus (WNV), with crows and blue jays being the most sensitive to the disease in Texas. Increased deaths of blue jays and crows in a localized area are of concern. Remember, however, that birds routinely die of causes other than the WNV, with injury and death from predators, being a prime culprit. A dead bird can be discarded in your trash receptacle. Avoid contact with your bare hands. Use gloves or a plastic bag, and place the bird in a plastic bag, then in your trash receptacle.

Mosquitoes carry numerous diseases and parasites, which affect animals - heartworm in dogs and equine encephalitis in horses being some examples. West Nile Virus has been identified in horses, cats, chipmunks, bats, squirrels and domestic rabbits, but the vast majority of infections have been identified in birds. Normal veterinarian care should be taken with any sick or injured pet.

The City of Plano Environmental Health Division does not administer immunizations (shots). Please contact your physician or Collin County Health Services at 972.548.5500 for information concerning immunizations.

Zika virus is an emerging mosquito-borne virus that was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in rhesus monkeys. It is spread by the bite of the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, and was identified in humans in 1952. Outbreaks of Zika virus disease have been recorded in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific.

About 1 in 5 people infected with Zika virus become ill, and you’ll typically see symptoms about two to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. For those infected, the symptoms are mild — fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis (red eyes). If you’ve traveled to the affected area in the past two to 14 days, contact your health care provider, especially if you are or think you may be pregnant. Additional information can be found at texaszika.org.

Zika is a virus spread primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. This type of mosquito likes to live close to homes, are active and bite during the day, and can breed in very small amounts of water. The mosquitoes spreading the disease are the same ones that spread Chikungunya and dengue. There is no vaccine to prevent Zika or medicine to treat the infection. Zika is transmitted 5 known ways:1. Mosquito to human2. Human to mosquito3. Man to woman, sexually4. Mother to fetus5. Blood transfusion

The Collin County Health Department will contact the City of Plano with follow-up information regarding the general location of the human case of Zika. The City will spray adulticide in the area of the positive case.

At the current time, we are trapping, identifying, and testing mosquitos for vector-borne viruses. Although the Aedes (Zika virus) and Culex (WNV) mosquitos have different behaviors, the only major difference in our response will be the size of any spray area. Because the Aedes have a short flight distance, the spray area for them will be less than that for Culex.

The practical approach to protecting family and pets is to reduce the exposure to the product, the products used by the City of Plano are safe when used in accordance with the directions. The City of Plano Environmental Health Division staff are licensed pesticide applicators, and typically spray adulticide in the evening hours, to limit the exposure to citizens. It is recommended to bring pets inside to reduce their exposure.

Do-it-yourself disposal is available to all Plano residential Environmental Waste Services customers at the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) transfer stations and regional disposal facility. Plano residents must take their current City of Plano utility bill that reflects garbage (waste) services and a current Texas driver's license with corresponding address for proof of residency.

Residents are allowed two (2) drop-offs per monthly utility bill cycles. Loads must arrive in a passenger vehicle or pick-up truck. Trailers of any size are also acceptable, as long as they are towed behind a passenger vehicle or pick-up truck. NOTE: Stake bed trucks and box trucks are not acceptable.

Disposal hours, locations, and acceptable waste can be found under the DIY Disposal tab on the Residential Trash page.

Call Environmental Waste Services at (972) 769-4150 or click here for a free cooking oil collection. Oil must be contained in a sturdy, plastic container with a secure screw-top. Collection appointments will be scheduled for one or more gallons. The containers need to be placed at your regular trash pick up location site by 7 a.m. on the day of the scheduled collection. The cooking oil will be processed and used as bio-diesel fuel.

If the check is within the past three years, please contact Accounts Payable at 972-941-5221 to assist you in replacing the check. If the check is dated more than three years ago and over $100, the funds may have been transmitted to the State of Texas as unclaimed property as required by law. If less than $100, it may be held at the City and you would need to submit a claim form. For additional information regarding unclaimed property, visit the For additional information regarding unclaimed property, visit the Outstanding Checks and Unclaimed Property page. More information on Unclaimed Property

A broker may email his or her contact information to treasury@plano.gov. Annually, the City emails applications to brokers who are interested in becoming an approved broker. In the application, the City asks for a broker certification to be signed, a broker questionnaire to be filled out, a copy of the latest audited financial statements, and a copy of the most recent unaudited update of the financials. Based on this information, the City rates brokers based on the following:1. Debt to Equity Ratio of the firm,2. Assets,3. Texas Public Funds Experience,4. Texas / DFW Presence,5. Completion of Submittal, and 6. Prior Experience with the CityBased on the ratings, the City generally takes the top scoring 8 brokers.

Municipal bonds can be purchased through an investment broker. Some brokers specialize in bonds but any stockbroker can make the purchases as well. Transaction fees for buying municipal bonds through a broker are typically between 0.5 percent and 3 percent of the purchase price. The minimum price for municipal bonds is $5,000 and goes up in increments of $5,000. At this time, the City of Plano does not sell bonds directly to citizens.

The Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 552), gives you the right to access government records; the officer for public information may not ask you why you want them. All government information is presumed to be available to the public, although certain exceptions may apply. Governmental bodies shall release requested information as promptly as possible, unless the information is exempt from disclosure under the Public Information Act. Please visit the following website for more information on how to submit a Public Information Request to the City of Plano http://www.plano.gov/index.aspx?nid=520. Additional information...

The City of Plano operates on a Fiscal Year basis. The City’s Fiscal Year is from October 1st to September 30th each year. As an example, if you see a report or item that states FY2012, then that means the period from October 1st, 2011 to September 30th, 2012. FY2011 would be from October 1st, 2010 to September 30th, 2011.

Every year various departments of the City of Plano report unclaimed cash and valuables, from uncashed checks, deposits, refunds, overpayments or any other valued at $100.00 or less. All property listed on the City of Plano Unclaimed Property site is cash resulting from City of Plano business such as utilities, Municipal Court, Accounts Payable and Payroll. For property such as items confiscated in an arrest or lost due to theft is kept with the Police Department.

Send an email of interest to treasury@plano.gov. Broker packets typically go out toward the end of the calendar year. The submittals are evaluated and brokers are notified by email if they are approved for the next year or not.

A hotel's owner, operator, or manager must collect hotel taxes from their guests. For the purposes of the tax, a hotel is considered to be any building in which members of the public rent sleeping accommodations for $15 or more per day. Local hotel taxes apply to sleeping rooms costing $2 or more per day.

The tax covers hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts, as well as condominiums, apartments, and houses rented for less than 30 consecutive days. Hotel tax does not apply to hospitals, sanitariums, nursing homes, student dormitories operated by colleges and universities, or condominiums, apartments, and houses leased for more than 30 consecutive days.

The following organizations and individuals do not have to pay hotel tax:• the U.S. government and its employees traveling on official business;• foreign diplomats issued a tax exemption card by the U.S. Department of State, unless the card specifically excludes hotel tax;•certain Texas state officials with special hotel tax exemption cards (includes heads of state agencies, members of state boards and commissions, judicial officials at the district court level and above, state legislators, and legislative employees);•permanent residents, that is, guests who occupy a room for at least 30 consecutive days; any interruption in the term of occupancy will void the exemption (guests who stay 30 or more days and notify the hotel in writing of their intention beforehand are exempt from the day of notification, while guests who do not notify the hotel must pay the tax the first 30 days and are exempt thereafter);•some nonprofit entities and their employees traveling on official business; the entity must have received a hotel tax exemption letter from the Comptroller's office and the reason for the exemption must be written on the exemption certificate, for example, "exempt per Electric Cooperative Act, Utilities Code, Chapter 161" or "exempt per Telephone Cooperative Act, Utilities Code, Chapter 162."

No, state agencies (except Texas institutions of higher education) and their employees (except certain state officials described above) must pay state and local hotel taxes. State agencies can request a refund of state and local hotel taxes paid or reimbursed to employees (Chapter 351.006).

The exempt organization or employee must give the hotel a completed Hotel Occupancy Tax Exemption Certificate (form 12-302) and proof that the organization has received a letter of hotel tax exemption from the Comptroller's office at the time of registration. The on-line list of organizations that have received hotel tax exemption is located through the Comptroller's Exemption Search.

Hotels can accept exemption certificates in good faith when the guest provides the following supporting documentation:•federal employees traveling on government business - a valid government identification card;•designated Texas state employees - a special hotel tax exemption photo ID or card that states holder is exempt from hotel taxes;•foreign diplomats - a tax exemption card issued by the U.S. Department of State that exempts the diplomat or mission, unless the card specifically excludes hotel tax;•employees and representatives of a specific nonprofit entity or a nonprofit charitable, educational, or religious organization traveling on organization business - a Comptroller's letter of hotel tax exemption or verification that the organization is on the Comptroller's list of exempted entities, such as a printed copy of the Comptroller's website listing the organization as exempt for hotel tax.

All Plano Fire-Rescue personnel are dual-trained in fire suppression and emergency medical services. This means that Plano firefighters are capable of working on fire engines and trucks as well as on ambulances. The fire engine or truck which usually arrives first on the emergency scene carries all necessary equipment and medications to provide emergency medical treatment and advanced life support until the arrival of an ambulance. This ensures that emergency care is delivered to our community as quickly as possible.

Ambulance Transport Fees are set by city ordinance and can be found under Chapter 8 of the Code of City Ordinances. The Basic Life Support (BLS) fee for medical care rendered is six hundred ninety dollars ($690); the Advance Life Support (ALS) fee for medical care rendered is seven hundred forty-five dollars ($745); the Advanced Life Support (ALS2) fee for medical care rendered is seven hundred sixty-five dollars ($765). A transportation fee of fifteen dollars ($15) per mile from the incident location to the medical facility will apply to all transports. In addition to the above, when applicable, a $50 medication administration fee and/or a one hundred dollar ($100) non-resident fee will be charged per person per incident. The patient's medical insurance will usually pay this fee which is set in accordance with national ambulance standards. If Plano Fire-Rescue did not charge this fee, this operating cost would have to be funded entirely with tax revenue, resulting in greater taxes for all citizens.

The patient cot has a thin, firm mattress that lies directly on an aluminum frame which can be a little uncomfortable. Unfortunately, the cot must be firm in order for Plano crews to perform CPR on critically ill patients. In addition, crews respond to medical emergencies as quickly and safely as possible in order to provide timely, life-saving treatment. This requires vehicles with good road-handling characteristics. If these large and heavy vehicles had a softer and more "spongy" suspension, they would provide a smoother ride but they would not be safe to drive to the scene as quickly.

A multi-purpose fire extinguisher is best for the home. Look for and extinguisher with a rating of at least 2A:10B:C on the label. These types of extinguishers can be used on any type of fire commonly occurring in the home. They will often be labeled “ABC” or “All Purpose” and can be purchased in most large home-improvement or hardware stores.

The State of Texas has passed a law requiring insurance companies to give rate reductions to homeowners who have installed sprinklers in their homes. Check with your agent for the amount of discount. There are many other great reasons to put sprinklers in your home. Call the Fire Prevention Division at (972) 941-5261 for more information.Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition’s

Open burning and bonfires are prohibited in Plano.Permits for ceremonial campfires, not to exceed 3 feet in diameter, 2 feet high, and 25 feet from a building or property line, may be obtained from the Fire Marshal's office.

Open flame cooking devices, charcoal, and other similar devices used for cooking shall not be located (stored) or used on combustible balconies, decks, or within 10 feet of combustible construction. These devices may be used if the balcony or deck is fire sprinkled and allowed by the apartment management.

Chimeneas and covered fire pits are allowed on single family property. They are not to exceed 3 feet in diameter, 2 feet high with a screen cover, and must be located 25 feet from a building or property line .

No, Plano Fire-Rescue does not host parties of any kind at the Plano fire stations. If a party is held at another location (restaurant, park or home) the children may visit the fire station for a safety tour. Because Plano crews remain in-service and ready to respond to emergency calls, no part of the party (decorations, gifts or refreshments) may be brought into the fire station for the tour.

No, at this time neither Plano Fire-Rescue nor the Plano Police Department check or install child safety seats at fire stations or police stations. The Family Education Office at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of Plano will check or install your car seat by appointment. Call (877) 847-9355 for an appointment. Please do not come to a Plano fire station for help with a child safety seat.

If you are interested in a civilian job with Plano Fire-Rescue, not a job as a firefighter, please check the City of Plano Employment ListingsCity of Plano’s Online Job Listings for any position openings and follow the site’s instructions on how to apply.If you are interested in a job as a firefighter, please visit this website’s EMPLOYMENT page. Please read the entire section completely as it will answer many of the questions about the process of testing and hiring for the entry position of Fire Rescue Specialist. If you have questions about the testing and hiring process, please email Captain Brian Kanzaki or call (972) 941-7295.

No, Plano Fire Rescue does not give out smoke alarms at the fire stations. Plano Fire-Rescue has a Smoke Alarm Assistance Hotline which explains the services and help that can be provided to citizens by Plano Fire-Rescue concerning smoke alarms. Please call the Hotline at (972) 941-7471.

You can buy federal flood insurance no matter where you live if your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), unless your property is in an area covered by the Coastal Barrier Resources Act of 1982 (CBRA). The NFIP was created in 1968 to provide flood insurance to people who live in areas with the greatest risk of flooding, called Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) or the regulatory floodplain.

For Telephone service only, there are various providers doing business in the City of Plano. Please visit the Public Utility Commission of Texas for a list of the different companies offering service in Plano HERE.

Damaged equipment is the responsibility of the utility company; however, we can facilitate your request with the appropriate company. Reports of damaged equipment can be submitted through FixIt Plano. To assist in timely repairs, please include address and picture of damaged equipment.

Typical repair time is 7-14 days but could be longer depending on the issue. If there is a safety issue, such as a large exposed hole in the ground, measures will be taken to ensure the area remains safe until repairs can be completed.

The cables you see in your alley are temporary cables used by utility companies to prevent services from being interrupted to you and/or your neighbors while repairs are being made. It is not uncommon for temporary cables to remain unburied for a long period of time, depending on the work that is being done. Should the cables remain unburied for longer than 14 days, please report unburied cable through FixIt Plano so we can reach out to the appropriate company for an update. It is important you include the location of the wire as well as a picture of the cables end point.

Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC. is regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). The PUCT regulatory authority oversees competitive markets and compliance enforcement of statutes and rules.

CoServ Electric is a cooperative electric company that opted out of deregulation; therefore, they operate under different rules and regulations. For more information on Cooperatives, please visit the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

Oncor Electric and CoServ Electric operate under franchise agreements with the City of Plano for the use of the Public Right of Way.

In 2002, electric deregulation was adopted by the State of Texas. As a result, Oncor Electric Delivery handles transmission and distribution. They maintain the transmission wires, deliver the electricity to your home, and read the electric meters.

Billing for electricity distributed by Oncor is handled by Retail Electric Providers (REPs). Consumers can chose their own REP. A list of REPs is available at Power to Choose.

CoServ Electric handles both distribution and billing. Therefore, consumers in the CoServ service area are not able to select a different Retail Electric Provider (REP).

Damaged equipment is the responsibility of the utility company; however, we can facilitate your request with the appropriate company. Reports of damaged equipment can be submitted through FixIt Plano. To assist in timely repairs, please include address and picture of damaged equipment.

Typical repair time is 7-14 days but could be longer depending on the issue. If there is a safety issue, such as a large exposed hole in the ground, measures will be taken to ensure the area remains safe until repairs can be completed.

The cables you see in your alley are temporary cables used by utility companies to prevent services from being interrupted to you and/or your neighbors while repairs are being made. It is not uncommon for temporary cables to remain unburied for a long period of time, depending on the work that is being done. Should the cables remain unburied for longer than 14 days, please report unburied cable through FixIt Plano so we can reach out to the appropriate company for an update. It is important you include the location of the wire as well as a picture of the cables end point.

Please report trees growing around or near power lines located in the city right of way through FixIt Plano . It is important you include the location and picture of the overgrown trees in order for us to determine responsibility.

For detailed information on tree trimming near power lines, please visit All About Trees and Power Lines, a publication of the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak indoors or outdoors, leave the area immediately, call 9-1-1, and then call your providers emergency number. The emergency number for Atmos is 866-322-8667 and the emergency number for Coserv is 844-330-0763.

Damaged equipment is the responsibility of the utility company; however, we can facilitate your request with the appropriate company. Reports of damaged equipment can be submitted through FixIt Plano. To assist in timely repairs, please include address and picture of damaged equipment

Typical repair time is 7-14 days but could be longer depending on the issue. If there is a safety issue, measures will be taken to ensure the area remains safe until repairs can be completed.

Our goal is to maintain program integrity so the City of Plano- Commercial Recycling encourages you to email us at greenbusinesshotline@plano.gov if you have a question abut a certified business' practice or operations. Please provide the name of the business, the date and the potential infraction or concern.

The Green Business Certification program may be able to include other businesses in the future, but due to limitations in staff and resources we are focusing on the types of businesses which the City feels can collectively provide out City the greatest positive environmental impact on when sustainable changes are made.

• Are eligible for a partial property tax exemption (based on level of maintenance)• Fall under the Uniform Code for Building Conservation when renovation are made• May be officially recognized with plaques

Old buildings:• Are physical links to the past• Give a sense of community and personal identity• Have intrinsic value as art• Provide environmental diversity• Continue to be useful

The City of Plano offers a partial property tax exemption to individually designated properties and to properties that contribute historically and architecturally to a designated heritage district and that meet a set of basic maintenance standards. Collin College and Plano Independent School District also participate in the program. The program is intended to aid in the maintenance and upkeep of heritage resources. Therefore, the property is inspected once a year to ensure that it is being maintained properly. The program is voluntary.Other incentive programs may be available. Contact the Heritage Preservation Officer at 972-941-7151 for more information.

The purpose of tax exemption is to provide additional funds for continued preservation. The Heritage Commission inspects each structure yearly to determine if they are being maintained properly. The amount of the exemption is based on two factors: 1.Whether the structure is individually designated or the structure is part of and contributes to a heritage district; and 2.Whether the structure is used solely as a residence or has a commercial use. Class A Structures (individually designated and used for residential purposes) receive 100% exemption from taxation. Class B Structures (individually designated and used for commercial purposes) receive 50% exemption. Class C Structures (contributing to a historic district and used for residential purposes) receive 75% exemption. Finally, Class D Structures (contributing to a historic district and used for commercial purposes) receive 38% exemption. These exemptions are on the value of the structure; full taxes are still paid on the land. To learn more, please view the Tax Exemption link on the Heritage Preservation page. Contact the Heritage Preservation Officer at 972-941-7151 for more information.

Any exterior alterations to buildings and properties that are heritage resources or located within a heritage district are required to conform to design guidelines created for an individual heritage resource or district to avoid unsympathetic changes to the buildings. A Certificate of Appropriateness is required for alterations of buildings within the heritage resource districts. Please see the "Applications & Guidelines" tab on the Heritage Preservation page for more information.

The Plano Heritage Commission protects the rights and investments of property owners and business establishments through a design review process called a Certificate of Appropriateness. By preserving and maintaining visual character, the HC ensures that future generations will enjoy the benefits of Plano’s rich architectural heritage.

Contact the Heritage Preservation Officer at 972-941-7151 for more information.

Yes, you can still make changes to your property. However, prior to any exterior alterations, demolition or new construction, a Certificate of Appropriateness must be approved. This is to ensure that proposed alterations are in keeping with the architectural character of the district or resource and would include the following:

However, routine maintenance and in-kind repairs do not require a Certificate of Appropriateness. Many simple repairs or changes may be approved by Staff. When in doubt, contact the Planning Department at 972-941-7151 or view the "Applications & Guidelines" tab on the Heritage Preservation page.

Contact the Heritage Preservation Officer (HPO) in the City of Plano Planning Department at (972) 941-7151. The Heritage Commission meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month. Applications for C.A.’s are due by 5:00 p.m. on the Tuesday following each meeting. It is highly recommended that an applicant consult with the HPO before and during the planning of a project. There is no fee for CA applications. Please view the "Applications & Guidelines" tab on the Heritage Preservation page for more information.

No. Designation does not require you to make changes you do not choose to make.Heritage designation also does not:

• Restrict the use to which property is put• Restrict the sale of property• Require approval of interior changes or alterations• Prevent new construction within historic areas• Require approval for ordinary maintenance or in-kind repairs

Contact the Heritage Preservation Officer at 972-941-7151 for more information.

The City of Plano has a professional staff with specific experience in preservation, construction and planning expertise. These services are offered to assist you with design choices in a historic district. Contact the Heritage Preservation Officer at (972) 941-7151 for more information.

Only certain internet browser versions are approved by the vendor of our application system, please review on our Employment page for the complete list. Failure to use one of the approved internet browser versions will cause the application process to fail. Computers with compatible internet browsers are located at all City of Plano Libraries as well as in the Human Resources Department. (Hours are Monday – Friday; 9 am – 4 pm).

Human Resources does not know the status of your application, applications are reviewed by the respective department(s). The application process can take up to 3-4 weeks. You will be contacted by the hiring department if you’ve been selected for an interview.

Each position has a detailed description of the minimum qualifications for that job located in our job listing. You need to read those minimum qualifications carefully and make sure your qualifications are a close match.

If you have a resume, you may key the information with your application but it is not required. If you wish the hiring manager to see the resume, you must type your resume with the job opening you are applying for. The application must be completed in its entirety in order to be considered for the job opening. Any other materials should be kept for the interview process.

Almost all the information asked on the application is needed to process you as a qualified applicant. If you leave something blank it may be something that disqualifies you. You should complete all information requested.

If you are an external applicant, an automatic email is sent to your email once you have submitted your application. Some of the reasons this email may not be received is if the email address entered is not valid, your email box is too full, or your email believes that the message we are sending is spam. To verify that your application was received when you sign-in to your account, select My Career Tools, Change the display to All Applications. Any application that has been submitted will have a status of "Applied".

PSMail@plano.gov is an unmonitored account. If you have questions regarding the application process you may contact the Human Resources Department, please note Human Resources will not know the status of your application as that is handled within the hiring department.

The hiring department will call candidates to schedule interviews and subsequently select the applicants to be hired. There are no time restrictions to complete this process. All applicants who are interviewed will be notified when a selection is made.

Effective 5/28/07, typing and spelling tests are no longer a requirement for applying for a job. However, the hiring department may narrow down qualified candidates and ask them to take skills tests during the interview process.

The City of Plano is not a participant in the Social Security System and, therefore, does not deduct Social Security taxes (FICA) from any employee's wages. Note that your Social Security benefits may be reduced as a result of this. Specific questions you may have regarding the Social Security offsets should be directly addressed with the Social Security Administration. Due to a change in federal law, all employees of the City of Plano starting to work on or after April 1, 1986, are required to contribute to Medicare. A contribution of 1.45% of salary will be deducted from each of an employee's paycheck. The City of Plano will also contribute 1.45% for the employee to Medicare.

Ambulance Transport Fees are set by city ordinance and can be found under Chapter 8 of the Code of City Ordinances. The Basic Life Support (BLS) fee for medical care rendered is six hundred ninety dollars ($690); the Advance Life Support (ALS) fee for medical care rendered is seven hundred forty-five dollars ($745); the Advanced Life Support (ALS2) fee for medical care rendered is seven hundred sixty-five dollars ($765). A transportation fee of fifteen dollars ($15) per mile from the incident location to the medical facility will apply to all transports. In addition to the above, when applicable, a $50 medication administration fee and/or a one hundred dollar ($100) non-resident fee will be charged per person per incident. The patient's medical insurance will usually pay this fee which is set in accordance with national ambulance standards. If Plano Fire-Rescue did not charge this fee, this operating cost would have to be funded entirely with tax revenue, resulting in greater taxes for all citizens.

You may make your citation payment online through Insite. Insite is an independent company that charges a service fee for its service. The Municipal Court receives no part of that fee. Payment through Insite will result in a conviction on your driving record if you have not previously entered a plea.

Once the Judge releases you from the bond obligation, refunds are generally processed on the day of your court appearance. Once processed and verified by court staff, the refund request is sent to the Accounting Department. Checks are mailed every Friday, if the request is submitted by noon on the Wednesday before. Cash refunds on bonds are not permitted at the Clerk's window.

An on-street bicycle route is a road or a series of roads identified for bicycle use due to lower volumes of traffic such as residential or collector streets. On-street bicycle routes are also identified for their strategic connections to multi-use recreational trails, schools, libraries, recreation centers, DART bus or rail transit stops, shopping or places of employment.

In 1985 the City of Plano began planning at the city level, with other adjacent cities and surrounding counties for an intricate bicycle transportation network using a combination of multi-use recreational trails and city streets. An important part of the current bicycle transportation network is the multi-use recreational trail system. You might be familiar with several of Plano’s trails already: Bluebonnet, Chisholm, Preston Ridge and Santa Fe. However, because trails require a dedicated space, they are typically located on park property.

The on-street bicycle routes will have signage to show bicyclists how to navigate through the city using lower volume roadways. The on-street bicycle route network also includes several arterial roads or portions of arterial roads that are identified as bicycle routes as they are essential to completing connections where no other option is available. Plano’s on-street bicycle routes can be found on this on-street bicycle transportation map. Signs are placed along routes so bicyclists can get the route information as they travel to connect to multi-use recreational trails, schools, libraries, recreation centers, DART bus or rail transit stops, shopping or places of employment. The signage also lets motorists know that bicyclists will be present on those routes.

These on-street bicycle routes are located throughout the city primarily on collector and residential type roads as well as a few select arterials. The city has more than 2,700 miles of total roadway, and this project will incorporate 168 of those miles. The routes will be identified along the roads with specific signage.

The signage is in accordance with the Texas Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices, a code that regulates traffic signage at the state level, ensuring that all traffic signage is consistent. This code also dictates how signs are placed in terms of location and frequency and how they are displayed. Most of the signage is green and white guidance signage. According to the Manual, guidance signage must be placed on its own post not in combination with yellow warning signs, stop signs or black and white regulatory signs.The regulatory sign below tells both the cyclist and the motorist that the cyclist has the right to occupy the whole travel lane.

Guidance signs show the Plano logo, a bicycle symbol and the route number you are on. Some directional signs show which way to turn to intersect with another bicycle route.

Other directional signs show which direction to go, the route number, destination and the mileage remaining to the destination.

For example, the numbers 90, 88, 70 and 37 above are route numbers. The routes are numbered because they are often not one single through street but a combination of several different streets making up the route.The numbering system mimics our nation’s interstate highway system. Odd numbers indicate north-south routes. The odd numbers are smaller on the west side of the city increasing as you move eastward starting with 5 and ending with 97. Even numbers indicate east-west routes. The even numbers are smaller on the south side of the city increasing as you move north starting with 2 and ending with 90.

The City of Dallas has more than 360 miles of signed on-street bicycle routes with another 150 planned miles of future routes. Plano has two on-street bicycle routes that connect into Dallas, Mapleshade Lane and Ohio Drive. The City of Frisco also has many miles of signed on-street bicycle routes. Plano routes that connect into Frisco include Legacy Drive, Parkwood Boulevard, Ohio Drive and Rasor Boulevard. In Plano Ohio Drive is part of an on-street bicycle route that extends from Main Street in Frisco south to Interstate 20 in Dallas.

You can plan a route using the on-street bicycle transportation map. Also, the City of Plano has submitted a comprehensive map of its trails and on-street bicycle routes to Google. Using Google Maps to make route planning faster, you can get bicycling directions from point A to B by selecting the bicycle icon above the address text boxes. Google’s bicycle directions are in beta and typically require some additional planning beyond the initial suggested route. Plano’s trails are shown in solid green lines, and the on-street bicycle routes are shown in dashed green lines.

Texas state law considers a bicycle to be a vehicle, and you must operate your bike according to vehicular laws on the street. A bicyclist should always obey all traffic laws, signs and signals. Never ride opposite the flow of traffic; stop at all stop signs and stop at red lights; wear visible clothing; use a white front and a red rear reflector or light. Although a helmet is not required by law, it is strongly encouraged.The following resources can help provide more detailed information about bicycling laws and safety.Plano Police DepartmentTexas Drivers HandbookTexas Transportation CodeThe following resources offer classroom and on-bike learning opportunities for on-street bicycling education.BikeDFWBike TexasLeague of American Bicyclists

Multi-use recreational trails are very popular with many types of users. A consequence of their success can be congestion. When you follow the rules, your experience will be safer and more enjoyable. We ask that when you use the trails that you are courteous, stay right, pass left, announce when passing, yield to slower users, stop at stop signs, wear a helmet and obey the 15 mph trail speed limit. Please understand and follow these guidelines when using Plano’s multi-use recreational trails.

Plano Parks & Recreation Adapted programs offer recreational opportunities for individuals with special needs from 12 months to over 60 years of age. Programs are offered year round and provide a variety of activities such as; fitness, crafts and fine arts, education, outings and a variety of other programs that meet the needs of families with children/teens and adults with disabilities. Although these programs are recreational, there are many benefits that are inherent within each of the programs. They stress social interaction, self-direction, speech and language and community involvement. These recreational programs provide a safe environment, respite for parents and caregivers, and learning through a variety of classes. Staff and volunteers are there to assist each participant in getting the most out of each program they attend. For more information contact Dianne Dillon at 972-941-7272.

You can register online, in person or by calling any recreation center. For online registration, follow the steps below to set up your account:

Step 1: Go to the online site by clicking ‘Register Here’ at planoparks.org.

Step 2: Click on 'Create Account'.

Step 3: Complete your information (you must have an email address to create an account).

Registration for most programs remains open until the start date of the course. Course fees are determined by residency, however, everyone is welcome! For complete details and dates for any registration session, check Recreation OnLine (link below) or the current Recreation Catalog.

The Plano Parks and Recreation Department provides league play in many adult sports. Please see the link below for more information.

Youth Sports

The department prepares, maintains and allocates competitive game fields for use by youth sports organizations and coordinates their schedules to insure they are used to maximum efficiency. Please contact any of the youth sports organizations about league play. Please check the Youth Sports page of this website for more information.

Practice FieldsA variety of backstops and open fields in neighborhood parks and elementary schools are available on a first come, first served basis. To find these sites, please go to Park Facilities on Leisure on Line and choose practice fields under the Facility Feature tab or click on the link below for the Athletics page.

Various athletic fields are available to rent for Plano residents. For more information on ball field rental, please contact athletic field operations at 972-941-7250.

The Plano Parks and Recreation Department provides league play in many adult sports. Please see the Athletics link below for more information.

Youth Sports

The department prepares, maintains and allocates competitive game fields for use by youth sports organizations and coordinates their schedules to insure they are used to maximum efficiency. Please contact any of the youth sports organizations about league play. Please check the Youth Sports page of this website for more information.

Practice FieldsA variety of backstops and open fields in neighborhood parks and elementary schools are available on a first come, first served basis. To find these sites, please go to Park Facilities on Leisure on Line and choose practice fields under the Facility Feature tab or visit the Athletics page link below.

Various athletic fields are available to rent for Plano residents. For more information on ball field rental, please contact athletic field operations at 972-941-7250.

The Parks and Recreation Department operates a variety of pools, some open year-round, and others operating during summer months only. Weather and capacity conditions may play a part in determining pool hours and openings. Please call ahead for specific information. All pools are available for rent. Please call the numbers below for the pool you wish to reserve:

To reserve the pool at Liberty Recreation Center, call 972-769-4234, anytime during their normal business hours (Pool open for summer season only).

To reserve the pool or a party area at Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center, call 972-769-4404, anytime during their normal business hours.

To make a reservation at Oak Point Recreation Center, Jack Carter Pool (currently closed for renovations), Plano Aquatic Center or Rowlinson Natatorium, call the administrative office at 972-941-7250, Monday-Friday from 8am-4pm or Oak Point Recreation Center at 972-941-7540, Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm.

Flotation devices are limited to US Coast Guard approved life jackets which are provided for you if needed (limited quantities available). Private lessons/coaching are not allowed at City of Plano facilities.

We are always looking for new instructors and classes, so the best way would be to contact each center to see if they have an opening or interest, as their client demands are constantly changing. Send your information to our centers by filling out the instructor qualification form below. Instructor Qualification Form

You can join Plano's year-round, citywide cleanup program. All Plano public and private schools, environmental clubs, high school and college clubs, churches, scout groups, youth groups, and civic organizations are invited to volunteer. Pre-registration for the event is required three days prior to cleanup date. Visit Volunteers in Plano for more information.

Plano Event Center's catering department is the exclusive caterer for Plano Event Center. Our catering manager will assist you in selecting from our wide variety of menus. Our chefs can also custom design a menu for your special event.

Events may be booked up to one year out in accordance with our booking policy. Trade shows and conventions with a minimum number of hotel room nights are booked two years in advance. Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. A non-refundable 50% deposit (half of total rental fee) and a signed contract are required to secure a date on our books.

The lease fee covers rental of the room, tables and chairs, and set-up and tear down of the room. Our catering fees include table linens, china, glassware, and flatware. Tradeshows and expos pay extra for furniture.

General liability insurance is required for tradeshows, conventions, and events open to the public. Reservations with catering services will include applicable charges plus 20% service and 8.25% sales tax. Equipment (including Audio-Visual) will also include a 20% service charge. Equipment and lease fees may include 8.25% sales tax. Plano Event Center management may require Plano police officers and/or crowd control personnel at the guest’s expense.

You may use non-residual tape, T-pins, and push pins to decorate for your event. Confetti, glitter, nails, hooks, screws, tacks, staples, putty, double-sided tape or strong adhesive tape may not be used. You are responsible for any damages to the facility and removal of all decorations, materials, trash, residue etc., after the event. Plano Event Center will provide trash cans. Decorations causing a high volume of trash and debris are subject to clean up charges.

Yes, Collinwood Hall has a 12-foot by 12-foot street-level move-in door. You may bring in a display vehicle. The Plano Fire Marshall requires that the gas tank contain less than 1/8 tank of gas, the gas cap be taped off, the battery disconnected, and protective plastic placed under the engine.

Contact our Patron Services Coordinator Andrew Smith to discuss any issues that you are having. He will be able to assist you with the purchase of any Plano Stages event or direct you to the appropriate contact for shows produced by third-party clients.

The Courtyard Theater, Cox Building Playhouse, Amphitheater at Oak Point Park, and McCall Plaza are available for rental for a wide variety of occasions. To initiate the rental process, please visit our Venues page and select "Rental Application" next to the venue of our choice. A staff member will contact you as soon as possible!

Plano Stages does maintain a lost & found items left behind at the Courtyard Theater, Cox Playhouse, Amphitheater at Oak Point Park, and McCall Plaza.. To inquire about your item, contact our Patron Services Coordinator at 972-941-5613.

If the event you attended is produced by a third-party company (not by the City of Plano), you may need to contact the company directly to inquire about lost and found items. Often, our clients will do a full sweep of the building prior to leaving and will collect any left-behind items. If you are not sure who produced the event you attended, feel free to contact the Patron Services Coordinator.

Please note that items left behind are discarded after remaining in lost and found for longer than one month. These items are either donated to charity, surrendered to the police department, or disposed of through other means.

Ample free parking is available throughout the Downtown Plano area. Please see the link below to access a full downtown parking map. Lot 1 (Cox Courtyard Lot) is the most convenient for events at Courtyard Theater and Cox Playhouse. Suggested after-hours overflow parking for these venues is located at Lot 6 (Municipal Center Lot).

Courtyard Theater & Cox Playhouse - The majority of events at these venues are fairly casual, so jeans and a nice shirt will typically suffice. However, some of our third-party clients host events that require a stricter dress code. When in doubt, feel free to contact the hosting organization or us for guidance! Amphitheater at Oak Point Park - As this is an outdoor venue, no specific dress code is required. It is highly suggested that you dress appropriately for the weather. Shirts and shoes are required, and we ask that you use your judgment to dress tastefully.

The Plano Police and Fire Departments combined, respond to approximately 12,000 false alarms every year. Many valuable resources are tied up responding to these calls when real emergencies are occurring.

False alarms often cause unnecessary safety risks to emergency responders as well as citizens during a response. With the alarm companies, the user of the alarm system, and the Alarm Unit working together, we can significantly reduce the number of false alarms.

Any person or business that operates an alarm system with the intent to summon an emergency service of the city.

If your building has multiple suites leased out, typically the building manager will have a permit for the building’s fire alarm system and each tenant will be responsible for a permit if they choose to operate any additional alarm systems (e.g. burglar, panic, or robbery alarm systems).

Locations operating a smoke detector that is not connected to an alarm panel do not need a permit.

If your system is video surveillance only, a permit is necessary only if it is monitored by a monitoring company that will dispatch emergency services.

An alarm system is a device that is intended to summon emergency services. Even with no permit, emergency services will still respond. In the event this occurs, owner information and emergency contacts need to be on file.

Operating an alarm without a valid permit will result in a $200.00 penalty.

If the individual or business has never had a permit, an application can be submitted in the following ways:

OnlineClick on “Apply for a New Permit” located on our website. Fill out the requested information and follow the steps to complete the process. If you encounter registration problems with your address, please call our office at (972) 941-2426 or email us at pdalarm@plano.gov.

By MailApplications can be printed and submitted via mail with a payment.

In PersonApplications can be accepted at the Plano Police Department during our office hours.

Payments over the phone are not accepted, but can be made in the following ways:

Online

Click on “Manage Your Account” located on our website and enter the permit number in the “Account #” field. If you have never set up a password or need it reset, please call (972) 941-2426 or email us at pdalarm@plano.gov.

In Person

Payments can be made at the Plano Police Department during our office hours or dropped off at the substation on Independence.

By Mail

It is recommended to mail your payment 3-4 business days prior to your expiration date to avoid late fees.

Changes can be made online. Click on “Manage Your Account” located on our website and enter the permit number in the “Account #” field. If you have never set up a password or need it reset, please call (972) 941-2426 or email us at pdalarm@plano.gov.

Changes can also be made by using the Cancel/Update Form. This form can be mailed, faxed, or emailed.

Cancellations are accepted by email, fax, mail, and in person. Alarm permit holders may elect to cancel an existing alarm permit online or use the following "Cancel/Update Form". Please include the permit number, address, name, and reason.

If you ever need to re-activate your permit, you will keep your original permit number. Contact our office for assistance or send in a Cancel/Update Form with your original permit number on it.

Burglar Alarms Burglar alarms are counted by looking at the previous 12 months. Each permit will receive alarms 1-3 free. Anything greater than 3 alarms is considered excessive and will be charged as follows: 4th & 5th Alarm is $50.00 6th & 7th Alarm is $75.00 8 or more alarms are $100.00 each and the permit may be suspended.

Robbery Alarms Robbery alarms are counted by looking at the previous 12 months. Each permit will receive alarms 1-2 free. Any robbery alarm after 2 will be charged $200.00 each.

Panic Alarms Panic alarms are counted by looking at the previous 12 months. Each permit will receive alarms 1-2 free. Any panic alarm after 2 will be charged $75.00 each.

Fire Alarms Fire alarms are counted by looking at the previous 12 months. Each permit will receive alarms 1-2 free. Any fire alarm after 2 will be charged $200.00 each.

Appeals can be mailed or emailed. The request must include the account information and the reason for your request. Appeals are not generally granted as a result of the following:

- Pets, rodents, or wildlife. - Improper monitoring or installation by the monitoring company. - Maintenance or testing by an alarm company. - Weather, unless physical damage was made to the location and evidence can be provided. - Mistakes by anyone authorized to be on the property. - Loose doors or windows that activate an alarm.

Applicants will be notified within 5-7 business days via e-mail whether or not they are eligible to sit for the exam. If eligible, the entrance slip will be sent via e-mail; if disqualified, notification of the disqualification will be sent via e-mail.

As e-mail from an unknown address is often filtered as junk mail, it is the responsibility of the applicant to check both their 'inbox' and 'junk' mail folders.

Also, please do not call to verify that your fax was received; instead rely on your fax machine's confirmation report.

When an upcoming civil service test has been scheduled, the date, time, and location will be available on our main webpage. More information about the application and hiring process is available on the Employment section of this webpage.

If you are interested in taking the next exam for the position of Police Officer, please submit your name into our upcoming employment database for the test information. Visit the employment section of our webpage for additional information.

Applicants must have a Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university by hire date.

In lieu of a college degree, we will accept applicants who have earned at least 60 college semester hours from an accredited institution by hire date in addition to having three (3) years active military service, or two (2) years full-time, paid sworn law enforcement experience.

Currently, there are over 270 Neighborhood Crime Watch groups in Plano. To find out if your neighborhood has established a group, please contact the Crime Prevention Office at (972) 941-2431 for additional information.

Any person or business that operates an alarm system, with the intent to summon an emergency service of the city, is required to have a permit.

If your building has multiple suites leased out, typically the building manager will have a permit for the building’s fire alarm system and each tenant will be responsible for a permit if they choose to operate any additional alarm systems (e.g. burglar, panic, or robbery alarm systems).

Locations operating a smoke detector that is not connected to an alarm panel do not need a permit.

If your system is video surveillance only, a permit is necessary only if it is monitored by a monitoring company that will dispatch emergency services.

Criminal Records are maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety. For additional information, the TXDPS has provided a frequently asked questions or you may contact them via telephone for Criminal History and Court Disposition information at (512) 424-2590.

Fingerprinting services are available in the lobby of the Plano Police Department (909 E. 14th Street) and at the Plano Police Department's Substation (Joint Use Facility, 7501-A Independence Parkway). The cost for this service is $10.00 for the first two (2) cards and $5.00 for each additional card. The organization or agency requiring the fingerprints should provide you with the card.

Fingerprint services may be obtained at the Plano Police Headquarters (909 East 14th Street), Monday through Friday, between the hours of 7:00 am and 7:00 pm or on Saturday, between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:00 pm.

These services are also available at the Plano Police Substation (Joint Use Facility, 7501-A Independence Parkway) Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

The cost for this service is $10.00 for the first two (2) cards and $5.00 for each additional card. The organization or agency requiring the fingerprints should provide you with the card(s).

Motor Vehicle Crash Reports are available from the Records Unit for a $6.00 fee at either Police Department facility. The Police Headquarters facility is located at 909 E. 14th Street and the Police Substation is located at the city's Joint Use Facility, 7501-A Independence Parkway.

Motor Vehicle Crash Reports generated on or after October 1, 2007 are also available on-line and, in most cases, reports can be accessed within 24 to 72 hours of the incident. On-line crash reports are available for purchase 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To view or purchase a copy of your crash report, please follow the link below for additional details and a link to the on-line accident report webpage. For further information on obtaining a copy of a motor vehicle crash report, please contact the Police Records Unit at (972) 941-2019 or (972) 208-2077. Visit the Online Accident Reports webpage.

A non-emergency Police Report may be filed over the telephone by calling (972) 424-5678. You may also elect to visit either Police Department facility and speak with a Public Safety Officer in person to file a report. Plano Police Headquarters is located at 909 East 14th Street and the Plano Police Substation is located in the city's Joint Use Facility at 7501-A Independence Parkway. Click here to see if you can report your incident online.

You can contact the Plano Police Department at (972) 424-5678 (or 9-1-1 in emergencies) to report suspected child abuse or neglect incidents. In accordance with Texas law, you are also required to contact the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services at (800) 252-5400.

Texas law states that anyone who thinks a child, or person 65 years or older, or an adult with disabilities is being abused, neglected, or exploited must report it to the DFPS. A person who reports abuse in good faith is immune from civil or criminal liability. DFPS keeps the name of the person making the report confidential. Anyone who does not report suspected abuse can be held liable for a misdemeanor or felony.

Police Officers respond to motor vehicle crash scenes as report takers and are required to make a determination as to the contributing factors in the crash; Officers DO NOT determine fault. If you have spoken to the Officer about the incident and still have differing opinions, you may submit your written description of the incident to the Police Records Unit at either the main station (909 14th Street) or at the Joint Use Facility (7501-A Independence Parkway). You may also elect to call the Records Unit at (972) 941-2019 or (972) 208-2077 for additional information.

Compliments or complaints may be reported to the Plano Police Department's Professional Standards Unit at (972) 941-2436. You may also elect to send the compliment or complaint to PSU in writing using an electronically submitted web form. The Compliment or Complaint form is located in the About Us section of the webpage.

The Department recognizes the importance of protecting the community from employees who have demonstrated acts of misconduct or have shown they are unfit for law enforcement work, the need to protect employees from false allegations of misconduct, and the opportunity to periodically assess the effectiveness of our policies and procedures. The Professional Standards Unit is responsible for administering the complaint process and you may register a complain several different ways. More information is available in the About Us section of the webpage.

Persons age 16 and younger are prohibited from public places without adult supervision between the hours of 11:00 pm and 6:00 am, Sunday through Thursday, and between the hours of midnight and 6:00 am on Friday and Saturday. Certain exceptions for work and school activities may apply.

The Plano Police Department sponsors the Citizen's Police Academy with the of goal of educating the citizens of Plano on the operations of the Department. Enrollment into the Citizens Police Academy is held two times a year: Spring and Fall. To apply on-line, please visit the Citizen Police Academy webpage under the Citizen's Programs tab. Visit the Citizen's Police Academy webpage.

The Jail is a holding or short-term detention facility. Generally inmates are confined for less than 72 hours before being released or transferred to another facility such as the Collin County Detention Facility.

This is an administrative process documenting an arrestee's processing into the Jail. This process includes collecting information such as the person's name, address, reason for the arrest (criminal charges), and inventorying their personal property. A photograph and fingerprints of the individual are taken as well. During the booking process, pertinent information about the inmate is obtained in order to address their medical / mental health needs and to provide them with safe housing during their period of incarceration.

A Magistrate's Hearing is a formal meeting between a judge and an inmate. During this meeting, the judge informs the inmate of his or her charge(s) and advises the inmate of his or her rights. The bond amount(s) are also set at that time.

Pre-Trial Release is a way for qualified inmates to be released without paying a bond. Pre-trial release is a personal bond (or promise) to appear. Collin County Pre-Trial Release is responsible for gathering and reviewing information about a prisoner to determine whether to release the prisoner from custody. The individual must meet the following minimum qualifications before a Pre-Trial Release may be considered: Must be Collin County resident; Must be in Jail on a Collin County offense (first-degree felony charges are excluded); Must not be on parole or have any felony convictions; Must be willing to appear in court until the case is completely out of litigation; Must provide positive identification; Must NOT have history of bond forfeiture. Pre-Trial Release is committed to making a cost-efficient mechanism available for the release of qualifying defendants from Jail, to assist in alleviating an overcrowded Jail and to provide a fair and unbiased method of release. Screening methods however, are not simple. Contact Collin County Pre-Trial Release at (972) 547-5265 to determine if a defendant is eligible. Plano Detention Officers cannot determine if a prisoner is eligible for this program.

Visitation hours are: daily from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, but is subject to cancellation without notice by the Detention Supervisor. Call (972) 424-5678 to verify visitation approval. Visitation requirements are: Visitation is limited to 30 minutes with a maximum of 2 visitors allowed per day; Visitors must be appropriately dressed, be at least 17-years of age, present a valid driver's license or state issued identification card, and have no outstanding arrest warrants. Visitors may be searched prior to entering the visitation room.

Money may be contributed to the inmate's property. Prescription medication will be accepted and dispensed in the prescribed manner by Jail personnel. Please call (972) 424-5678 to verify any additional items you may wish to bring with you.

Inmate property can only be released after the inmate grants written permission authorizing the release. To claim inmate property it is necessary to: Complete a property release form and present a valid driver's license or a state issued identification card.

This is a warrant issued on a charge on which a judgment of 'Guilty' HAS NOT been entered. An inmate, bail-bond company, or an attorney can post a bond for this type of warrant. The bond assures that the inmate will appear in court.

This is a warrant issued on a charge on which a judgment of “Guilty” HAS BEEN entered and the inmate did not pay the fine and / or court costs. To resolve a Capias Pro Fine warrant are: To pay the fine and / or court costs in full; Remain in Jail until enough Jail Credit has been earned to be released 'time served'.

City of Plano Class C misdemeanor warrants can be resolved by: Paying the fine in cash; Posting a cash or surety bond; Being released 'time served' after acquiring enough Jail Credit; A combination of bonds, Jail Credit, and cash payment.

Payment can be accepted by either the issuing agency or the City of Plano. If payment is made at the Plano City Jail, cash (in the exact amount) must be used. It is recommended that you verify the exact amount with a Plano City Jail staff member.

No, but most bail bond companies and attorneys can be located in the phone book, on the Internet, or by using directory assistance. A list of the bail bond companies licensed in Collin County is available in the Jail Lobby.

The City of Plano contracts with Jordan Towing, Inc., for the storage of impounded vehicles. Inquiries concerning fees, method of payment, and directions to the storage facility should be directed to the towing company. Be prepared to provide information such as the vehicle’s year, make, model, and license plate number. Jordan Towing, Inc. may be contacted by calling (972) 380-6300 and is physically located at 601 Digital Drive in Plano (Southeast of Plano Pkwy./Coit Rd.).

The Plano Police Department will accept an Identity Theft report regardless of location. For any other type of incident, you will need to contact the police department where the incident occurred for assistance.

A non-emergency Police Report may be filed over the telephone by calling (972) 424-5678. You may also elect to visit either Police Department facility and speak with a Public Safety Officer in person to file a report. Plano Police Headquarters is located at 909 14th Street and the Plano Police Substation is located in the city's Joint Use Facility at 7501-A Independence Parkway. You may also file certain types of reports online if the incident is not in-progress and there is no evidence that needs to be collected.

In September 2003, the Texas Legislature ratified Senate Bill 1184, which amended Section 542.202 of the Texas Transportation Code. This amendment authorized municipalities to impose civil penalties against the owner of a motor vehicle for a violation of a municipal ordinance.

Chapter 12 of the City of Plano Municipal Code of Ordinances was enacted in August of 2004 and establishes that: “the owner of a motor vehicle is liable for a civil penalty of seventy-five dollars ($75.00) if, while facing only a steady red signal displayed by an electrically operated traffic-control signal located in the city, the vehicle is operated in violation of the instructions of that traffic-control signal, as specified by Texas Transportation Code, Section 544.007(d).”

On June 15, 2007, Governor Rick Perry signed Senate Bill 1119, which became effective on September 1, 2007. This bill created Texas Transportation Code Chapter 707; establishing procedures for local entities that opted to use cameras to cite owners of vehicles that illegally run through red lights. The bill also provides specific processes for implementing a Photographic Traffic Signal Enforcement Program, contracting certain duties to a vendor, imposing a civil penalty, and creating a hearing and appeals process. On August 22, 2007, the Plano City Council amended Chapter 12 of the Plano City Ordinances to reflect modifications required by Senate Bill 1119.

As specified in the Texas Transportation Code, Section 544.007(d), “An operator of a vehicle facing only a steady red signal shall stop at a clearly marked stop line. In the absence of a stop line, the operator shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection. A vehicle that is not turning shall remain standing until an indication to proceed is shown. After stopping, standing until the intersection may be entered safely, and yielding right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully in an adjacent crosswalk and other traffic lawfully using the intersection, the operator may:

turn right

turn left, if the intersecting streets are both one-way streets and a left turn is permissible

Payments can be made by personal check, money order, or VISA / MasterCard only (no cash). Please make check or money order payable to “Plano Red Light Photo Enforcement Program” and mail in the enclosed envelope, along with the payment coupon found on page 2 of the notice. A credit card payment can also be made online at: www.photonotice.com (enter city code: PLANO). A $25.00 administrative fee will be assessed for any rejected or declined payment. Walk-in payments are accepted Monday through Friday from 8:00a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the local customer service center, located at: 1200 Commerce Drive, Suite #117, Plano, TX 75093 (cash will not be accepted at the customer service center). Please do not bring any payments to the City of Plano Municipal Center or Police Department.

Per the ordinance, each violation may be appealed to an Administrative Hearing Officer. Hearings are held at 7501A Independence Parkway, Plano, Texas 75023 (by appointment only). Details on how to schedule a hearing will be included on the Notice of Violation. Failure to pay the civil penalty or to contest liability in a timely manner will constitute an admission of liability and waiver of your right to contest the imposition of the civil penalty. If found liable at the hearing; the civil penalty is due within 31 days of the finding. Failure to appear, after having requested a hearing, will result in the person being found liable. A person found liable by the Administrative Hearing Officer may appeal this finding to the Plano Municipal Court. To appeal a finding of Liable to the Plano Municipal Court you must file an Appeal Petition and a notarized Statement of Personal Financial Obligation with the Plano Municipal Court within 30 days of the Administrative Hearing. The Appeal Petition and the Notarized Statement of Personal Financial forms can also be obtained in person at the Plano Police Substation lobby located at 7501A Independence Pkwy., Plano TX. 75023.

No. City Ordinance 12-260 establishes a civil penalty against the owner of the vehicle, not the operator. As such, it is not reported to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Failure to pay the civil penalty may result in the reporting to a collection agency and/or the county assessor-collector or the Texas Department of Transportation who may refuse to register a motor vehicle alleged to have been involved in the violation.

City Ordinance 12-264(f) establishes the affirmative defenses to prosecution for violation of this ordinance. A person whose vehicle had been reported stolen when a violation occurred would simply need to provide the jurisdiction and report number where the offense was reported.

Under these circumstances the Notice of Violation issued pursuant to a violation of City Ordinance 12-260 would be dismissed. The violator would still be responsible for any criminal citation issued by the officer.

Each system consists of a series of digital cameras installed near the roadway, including two for the capture of still images and one digital video camera. Utilizing a passive sensor, the system detects when the signal light changes to red. Using digital video presence cameras, the system triggers when a vehicle enters an intersection after the light changes to red. The first digital still camera captures two images (scene A and scene B). Scene A shows the vehicle prior to entering the intersection while the light is red and scene B shows the vehicle in the intersection while the light is red. The photographs display the time, date, and location of the offense, as well as the amount of time the light was red when the image was captured. Also, the speed limit of the roadway and the speed of the vehicle at the time of the violation appear on the photograph. The second digital camera captures a close-up image of the rear license plate of the vehicle. And finally, the digital video captures 12 seconds of video, depicting the 6 seconds prior to and the 6 seconds following the violation. As a result of legislative changes that took effect on September 1, 2007, the Notice of Violation includes only one digital still image of the vehicle’s license plate; however, a link will direct the recipient to a website where the 12-second video and other images can be viewed.

Redflex Traffic Systems, Inc., through a contract with the City of Plano, installed the camera systems and continues to maintain all equipment associated with the program. Redflex also processes and reviews all violations captured by the equipment. Redflex then provides the Plano Police Department with all evidence of the violation, and a secondary review is conducted by a Plano Police Officer to ensure that a violation has clearly been committed. Once verified by a sworn peace officer, Redflex receives authorization to create and mail all Notices of Violation. Redflex receives a fixed monthly fee for their services, which is not dependent on the number of notices issued. The program is self-funded through the collection of fines, and the net revenues are shared equally with the State of Texas for use by local Trauma Centers. Any remaining funds must be utilized for traffic safety programs, including pedestrian safety programs; public safety programs; intersection improvements; and traffic enforcement.

Permits are issued out of the Plano Police Department and the hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The department is located at 909 14th Street in downtown Plano on the corner of 14th Street and Avenue H. You may contact us at (972) 941-2426 or pdpermits@plano.gov.

Solicitor’s Permits are required for all commercial solicitation on residential or City-owned property. Permits are not required for charitable or non-profit organizations, but they must still comply with Plano’s soliciting ordinance as well as soliciting on commercial property, including parking lots; this falls under trespassing laws.

Businesses are required to complete a Business Solicitor’s Permit Application. This is designed for the owner, manager, supervisor, or representative of said business.In addition to the completed business permit application, a photocopy of one’s government-issued ID as well as a sample or copy of the handbill, flyer or business card you intend on soliciting with will be required.Additionally, each individual who solicits on your business' behalf must complete an Individual Solicitor’s Permit Application and attach a photo copy of their government-issued ID. More information is available on the New Solicitor's Permit webpage.

Payment of $20.00 will be required when all applications (business and all individuals soliciting for the business) are submitted. Please submit all business and individual applications at the same time; additional applications cannot be added once the solicitor's permit packet has been received.

Once a solicitor’s permit is expired, the business and any individual(s) soliciting for the business must re-apply using the same paperwork and procedures indicated in the question “What is the process to obtain a Solicitor’s Permit?”City of Plano does not offer an individual solicitor's permit auto-renewal option.

Our permits coordinator processes applications in the order they are received. According to the city ordinance, it may take up to ten (10) business days to process, issue, and / or deny a solicitor’s permit.

No, you may not solicit via mail boxes, even if you have a valid solicitor’s permit.The federal government / United States Postal Service takes these violations very seriously. If found soliciting via mailboxes, the business and / or individuals are considered in violation, therefore the violation consequences outlined in Question #9: “What happens if I solicit for my business without a permit?” applies.

Taxicab and limousine driver permits are required within the City of Plano to provide for the regulation of rates and services of vehicles for hire, promote adequate and efficient taxicab and limousine services within the city, while at the same time protecting the public health and safety.

Yes. The only exception is if the said driver is displaying a current and valid decal issued by either the City of Dallas or Dallas / Fort Worth Airport that indicates the vehicle’s authority to operate in those locals.

Each taxicab or limousine driver is required to complete a Taxicab/Limousine Driver Application.In addition, a photo copy of one’s government-issued ID as well as provide proof of U.S. residency if they indicate they are not a U.S. Citizen will be required.

If you are not a U.S. Citizen you must be able to provide the required issuance of either a EAD or Residency Card to verify legal U.S. residency. Samples of acceptable documents if not a U.S. Citizen: Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-551) Image Foreign passport that contains a temporary I-551 stamp or temporary I-551 printed notation on a machine-readable immigrant visa (MRIV) [Note that this document is subject to reverification] Image 1Image 2 Employment Authorization Document (Card) that contains a photograph (Form I-766) Image 1Image 2 Foreign passport with Form I-94 or Form I-94A, Arrival/Departure Report bearing the same name as the passport and containing an endorsement of the alien’s non-immigrant status that authorizes such alien to work for a specific employer incident to this status. This document may only be used if the period of endorsement has not yet expired and the proposed employment does not conflict with any restrictions or limitations listed on Form I-94 or I-94A, Arrival/Departure Report. Image 1Image 2

Once a Taxicab or Limousine Driver’s Permit is expired, the driver must re-apply using the same paperwork and procedures indicated in the question “What is the process to obtain a Taxicab or Limousine Driver’s Permit?”

The Permits Coordinator offices out of the Plano Police Department Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The department is located at 909 14th Street, Plano, TX 75074 on the corner of 14th Street and Avenue H.

Be at least nineteen and a legal resident of U.S. Have a valid Texas driver’s license; have no more than 4 moving traffic violations, or no more than 2 vehicle accidents where you were at fault, in any twelve-month period during the last three years. Have no outstanding warrants, including traffic warrants. Speak and understand enough English to function as a professional driver. Be free of physical or mental conditions that would affect your ability to operate a car safely, or would have a negative effect on public health or safety. Have not been finally convicted within the past five years of prostitution or related offenses, DWI, DUI, any Felony, or any crime (including misdemeanors) involving moral turpitude.

Once a crime tip is sent, you will receive a message from CITIZEN OBSERVER indicating the message has been forwarded to the Plano Police Department. Plano Police personnel may then respond back to the sender asking for additional information. If the sender does not want any further contact, the sender only needs to text the word "stop" back to 847411 and the contact between the sender and the police department is broken.

Call 9-1-1 in the event of a Police, Fire or Medical EMERGENCY. Do not call 9-1-1 to ask routine questions, seek information about traffic tickets, to get directions, or to ask for information about prisoners in jail. If you are in doubt about whether your situation is an emergency then play it safe and call 9-1-1, otherwise feel free to call our non-emergency number (972) 424-5678.

Your call will be answered, "Plano 9-1-1, what’s the address of the emergency?" This question will be followed with the phone number you are calling from and your name. The 9-1-1 operator will then say “Ok, tell me exactly what happened..” Please respond with what your emergency is; i.e. say you are reporting a fire, an accident, a burglary, an injury, or whatever the case may be. From there, let the Public Safety Communications Specialist ask the questions. They will also ask questions regarding your situation, such as the name and description of any other persons involved and other pertinent information. Please be patient. Help is on the way, even while you are talking with the person taking your call.

Calling 9-1-1 from MOST telephones is free. Cell phone companies typically do not charge minutes for calls made to 9-1-1 (which is why an old cell phone without service can still make a 9-1-1 call); and calls made from your home, businesses, and most pay-phones are free.

Don’t hang up, stay on the line! Everyone makes mistakes and there is no penalty for accidentally dialing 9-1-1. The Specialist who answers your call will want to verify your name, address and phone number; and make sure there really is no emergency. If you do hang up, you can be sure a Specialist will call you right back to confirm that you are safe. If no response is received on the attempt to call you back, the police will be dispatched.

In most cases, responders are already on the way. We will always ask the location of the emergency, phone number and your name for every call. Other questions are used to provide information to the police/fire personnel that are en route to your call location. It helps them to know what to look for or what equipment is needed.

These assessments are completed online, or completed in the Public Safety Communications department in the lower-level of the Plano Municipal Center (if you do not have a computer at home). More specific information will be provided to you upon passing the HR pre-screen which is completed during your online application.

The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) sets the standards that everyone must meet in order to be licensed as a Telecommunicator in Texas. One of those standards is that you must be a US citizen. For more information see their website

The first assessment is called CritiCall and it simulates many of the job tasks that are performed in an emergency dispatch center. It is designed for people with little to no dispatch experience. The second assessment is called Select Advantage, and it is a workplace assessment designed to identify applicants who are more likely to be successful in this environment. There is nothing to study for before these assessments.

Unfortunately not. Because of the nature of the job we require all of our employees to be able to work any of our department’s shifts, on any day of the week (including nights and weekends), with no restrictions.

Yes. You may reschedule your appointment as long as it is scheduled (and completed) prior to the deadline given to you in the email that you receive. If you need to reschedule, please be sure to choose another testing session on our online calendar prior to the original testing session that you signed up for. This allows other applicants to fill the vacancy for that testing day.

Yes; however, please do so prior to your first appointment if you need to reschedule. Keep in mind that once you test, you are not allowed to test again without further instruction. Also, if you have been previously disqualified from the hiring process, you are not allowed to schedule another appointment until you submit another application after the amount of time specified in your letter of disqualification.

We do not hire on for specific shifts. While your schedule would be consistent here, we still have the expectation that all of our dispatchers are available to work any of our shifts, on any day of the week (including holidays and weekends), with no restrictions.

Call Environmental Waste Services at (972) 769-4150 or click here for a free cooking oil collection. Oil must be contained in a sturdy, plastic container with a secure screw-top. Collection appointments will be scheduled for one or more gallons. The containers need to be placed at your regular trash pick up location site by 7 a.m. on the day of the scheduled collection. The cooking oil will be processed and used as biodiesel fuel.

Do-it-yourself disposal is available to all Plano residential Environmental Waste Services customers at the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) transfer stations and regional disposal facility. Plano residents must take their current City of Plano utility bill that reflects garbage (waste) services and a current Texas driver's license with corresponding address for proof of residency.

Residents are allowed two drop-offs per monthly utility bill cycles. Loads must arrive in a passenger vehicle or pick-up truck. Trailers of any size are also acceptable, as long as they are towed behind a passenger vehicle or pick-up truck. NOTE: Stake bed trucks and box trucks are not acceptable.

Disposal hours, locations, and acceptable waste can be found under the DIY Disposal tab on the Residential Trash page.

The City of Plano offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities. Start the process by following the steps below:

1. Review the areas of interest and departments that utilize volunteers listed in the blue navigation bar on the left side of the page within the Volunteers in Plano web site. 2. Read the summary information carefully to make sure you qualify and meet the schedule requirements.3. Click the registration link within your area of interest to sign up online.4. After submitting your application, please wait to receive a response from the VIP office with information on scheduling a short in-person interview.

For more information, please call Volunteers in Plano at 972-941-7617 or get more details at

The City of Plano utilizes volunteers in many departments, including the Animal Shelter, Libraries, Parks and Recreation, Administrative Support, Environmental Education Services, and Police, Fire and Emergency Management. Whatever your interests may be, before making a volunteer commitment, it is important to think about the following:

- Likes and dislikes- The type of volunteer role that you would enjoy- Times you are available- Your own strengths and weaknesses- Your skills

Review the variety of opportunities available and learn how to sign up at: How to Volunteer

The VIP program offers various one-time event opportunities as well as great positions that will teach teens leadership skills and help them explore possible career paths. Teens ages 13-18 have opportunities to contribute to programs such as Plano Community Garden, Libraries, and Parks & Recreation summer camps.

Visit the Teen page more information on available opportunities:Teen Volunteers

Yes. Thank you for your interest in the City of Plano's volunteer program. It is important to begin the application process early. Start by browsing the City's web site to find the department where you're interested in doing an internship. Plan and prepare for your experience by asking yourself the following questions:

1. Is there a specific department in which you would like to do your internship?2. How many hours are you required to do for this internship? If none, how many a week would you like to do?3. Will you be working part time or full time?4. When would you be available to start?5. When will you be in town to schedule an interview?

At times, the City of Plano undergoes hydrant flushing efforts. While citizens often find flushing a confusing sight, it is a very common and necessary practice to ensure safe and healthy water for customers, especially during hot summer months. Flushing hydrants is effective in that it allows the City of Plano to address specific areas of the system where problems are occurring. The North Texas Municipal Water District adds chloramines, a combination of chlorine and ammonia to the water supply at its treatment plant in Wylie. Chloramines are designed to prevent the growth of bacteria. But during hot summer months, those chloramines break down, leaving the water unprotected. In hot weather, chloramines break down faster. Cities like Plano flush hydrants to keep water circulating. It’s the best prevention to make sure water flows free of bacteria and is safe to use. Watch this video to learn about hydrant flushing.

Different manufacturers use different terminology to describe the every other week watering functionality. Below is a link that will take you to your irrigation controller manufacturer’s website along with the terminology that the manufacturer uses, so that you can retrieve the owner’s manual and reference the instructions specific to your controller. Most manufacturers also have a customer service hotline, which can further assist you. Rain Bird – “Cyclic Days” Irritrol – “Skip Days Schedule Option” Toro – “Interval Days” Weathermatic – “Interval” Hunter – “Interval Watering”

Fire hydrants are used to flush water to maintain water quality standards. The challenge we face is that our citizens are doing a great job conserving water, which creates the unintended consequence of water sitting in the distribution lines. When water sits too long during the extremely hot months, the chemistry (chlorination level) changes and the water needs to be moved through the lines. Use of the fire hydrants allows the city to respond to issues in targeted locations where water chemistry has become a concern and we are able to closely track the number of gallons we must flush in order to maintain our water quality.

The City tested a water restriction holiday to try to alleviate the need to flush water and allow citizens extra time to water their lawns. The result was not what the city hoped for. As mentioned previously, flushing allows the City to quickly move water in a targeted location. The water restriction holiday did not move enough water in the targeted areas to eliminate the need to continue flushing. The City staff is focused on potential solutions to assist in maintaining water quality, since we know that from now on we will always be under some form of water restrictions in order to conserve as much of our water resources as possible.

We realize this is not an ideal solution, but maintaining water quality standards for safety is critically important. We are trying to balance encouraging conservation and maintaining water quality at the same time and, unfortunately, sometimes flushing lines is necessary. Learn more about the necessity of hydrant flushing